By Maddy Vitale
Performers playing flutes made from tin foil, a jam session to a Led Zeppelin tune, pianists, vocalists singing Taylor Swift songs to Broadway Showtunes, took the stage at Ocean City High School for the 7th annual OC’s Got Talent performance Friday, hosted by the Key Club.
Money raised from the students’ efforts will be donated to The Children’s Miracle Network of Philadelphia and Senior Scholarships for Key Club members. The event raised over $2,500 to go to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and for senior scholarships.
The audience cheered performers on. During one performance they said in support, “You got this.”
Throughout the night the audience, made up of families, were entertained even in between acts, by the likes of students and close friends, seniors Korey Greene, and Matt Catanoso, who emceed the event. Although they practiced hosting the show, they said a lot of their material is improvised – which turned out to be a good thing, judging by the effect they had on the spectators.
In all, there were 16 performances, which included the Winter Guard, that wowed the crowd with how in sync they performed, while spinning brightly colored flags. The audience cheered after the performance by guitar vocal soloist Gabriel Fernandez, who sang “Paraíso” in Spanish.
While the votes were being tallied, piano prodigy Scott Nuss, an Ocean City Intermediate School student, made a guest appearance and performed two songs.
The winner was freshman Hannah Carr who sang “Break Free.” The audience clapped and cheered. Carr received a gift basket made up of gift cards and other items from businesses in the community.
But after the show, Carr said she couldn’t believe it.
“I’m surprised, but I put my all into it,” she said.
During the past month, Carr, who wants to be a singer, said she has been practicing a lot.
Sara Ruth knows a lot about winning. She was the first place winner last year. This year she came in second with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.” The audience erupted in cheers and applause. The Winter Guard came in third place. The Tin Foil Flute Gang won the People’s Choice award.
Assistant Vice Principal Wendy O’Neal, in charge of activities said the event is so much fun.
“It is really a fun and enjoyable night. What is really great is you get a different side of those student,” O’Neal said. “We are a high achieving academic district and it is nice to see them in a different side outside of the classroom. I just enjoy it- kids you would think would never see a kid on stage and they really belt it out.”
The refreshments go to the senior scholarship for Key Club members. The event is run by the Key Club. Ashley Schmid, key club advisor, organized the show. She said after the event that she is thankful to all of the performers and the public for coming out for a good cause and supporting the students as well.
The judges were as follows; Ocean City High School teachers Tim Cox, Michelle Dill and Dan Weaver.
The following is a list of all of the performers:
Hailee Pietrowitz – guitar and vocals; “Drops of Jupiter”
Cameron DiTroia – piano; “This Is Halloween”
Louisa Esposito – vocals; “If I Lose Myself”
Gabriel Fernandez – vocal guitar; “Paraíso,”
Mary Burke – vocals; “Wide Awake”
Avi Rabia and Dennis Adams – Shore Medical Center Rap
Meredith Urban – vocals; “Jason’s Song”
David Palomeque-piano; Sonata Pathetique Opus 13 No 2
Tin Foil Flute Gang made up of Harrison Hepding, Andrew Holloway and Adam King; musical medley
Hannah Carr-vocals; “Break Free”
Erik Wagner-vocals; “Tiny Dancer”
Sara Ruth-vocals; “I Dreamed a Dream”
Steven Meyers, Mike Dickinson and Gavin Bower Band – guitar, amps, drums
“Moby Dick”
Dennis Adams-vocals; “Evermore”
Gabby DiMarco – vocals; “Never Grow Up”
Winter Guard members perform The Incredibles Theme Song. Members are Jordan Berry, Angelina Kelly, Mikaylah Mossman, Maggie Corcoran, Zoe Wade, Jenna Dahl and Kelly Branin.
